April was inspired to create this gorgeous wallpaper for you to download and enjoy!!

Click to download the full-size version: April's Desktop Background

Here is Sandra's report on meeting Apolo at the Vancouver 2010 announcement Wednesday in Seattle.

Click for Sandra's report

Apolo waves 'hello' to OZers - photos courtesy of Sandra

Pensive Apolo

The rest of Sandra's photos really require a surgeon general's warning.

Don't say I didn't warn you... (thanks to Sandra for these)

Happy Independence Day!

Noelle and I both hope you have a terrific holiday weekend!

-Todd

Check out US Speedskating for a report and photos from the summit that took place in June! U.S. Speedskating Conducts First-Ever Summit

Janet and Sandra attended the event in Seattle this morning where Apolo spoke as Vancouver was announced as the host city for the 2010 Winter Games.

Here's Janet's report, with a promise of photos from Sandra coming later, and more about Apolo's own hopes to skate in 2010.

Click for Janet's Report

Articles on Vancouver's Win (UPDATED WED.)

These articles have mentions of Apolo's reaction today:

• Seattle PI: Vancouver's winning of 2010 Olympics hailed in Washington state (very good Apolo coverage)


• Canada.com: Reaction overwhelmingly favourable to Vancouver-Whistler 2010 Games win


• Seattle PI: Region will enjoy slice of Olympic cake


• The Olympian: Ohno: 'This is huge'


• Seattle PI: Let the money Games begin in B.C.


• Seattle PI: B.C. bid wins Olympics

Plus an article on rollerskating that mentions Apolo:

• TCPalm.com: On a roll again

Ron Judd weighs in: Vancouver to host 2010 Winter Olympics
"...One of [Seattle]’s most-favored sons, short-track speedskating gold medalist Apolo Ohno, 21, said today that he’ll attempt to extend his career through the 2010 Games."

GREG GILBERT / THE SEATTLE TIMES

Two more photos from today's festivities...

AP Photo/Jim Bryant

Speedskater Apolo Ohno, Olympic gold medalist, left, applauds after the International Olympic Committee announced that Vancouver, British Columbia won the bid to host the 2010 Winter Olympics on Wednesday, July 2, 2003. Ohno and other supporters of Vancouver, British Columbia's Olympic bid met at Seattle's Edgewater Hotel to watch the announcement.

AP Photo/Jim Bryant

Olympic short track speedskating gold medalist Apolo Ohno, left, claps while Martha Choe, middle, hugs Rep. Velma Veloria, D-Seattle, in Seattle Wednesday, July 2, 2003, after the International Olympic Committee announced that Vancouver, British Columbia, won the bid to host the 2010 Winter Olympics . Ohno and other supporters of the Vancouver, British Columbia's Olympic bid met at Seattle's Edgewater Hotel to watch the announcement.

Apolo discusses Vancouver's winning the 2010 Winter Games:
Watch the KING5 video clip (link on right side of page)

APOLO, GO FOR 2010!!

CONGRATULATIONS, VANCOUVER!!

It's official:

The city of Vancouver has been elected the Host City of the XXI Olympic Winter Games in 2010... more

CBC News: Vancouver-Whistler to host 2010 Winter Olympics

Apolo in Seattle July 2

AAO will be back in Seattle on Wednesday, July 2 for the announcement of the host city for the 2010 Winter Olympics. Apolo is serving as the Washington State representative for Vancouver's bid for the Games.

There will be a party and speech by AAO right after the official announcement from the IOC. It will be aired by KING 5 TV (NBC affiliate).

The event will begin at 8.30am in the Olympic Ballroom in the Edgewater Hotel in Seattle.

Edgewater Hotel
Pier 67
2411 Alaskan Way
Seattle, WA

Speaking of Vancouver's bid for the 2010 Winter Games, Ron Judd has another column today on the topic of the potential for a Games with a uniquely Canadian flavor:

"Count on this: If Vancouver/Whistler, which is perched on pins, needles and anything else that implies pent-up nervousness, is chosen tomorrow as the site of the 2010 Winter Games, they'll make the 2002 version look like a church social.... Americans who join the world here in 2010, assuming the bid decision goes Canada's way, will learn a lot about a nation that remains inexplicably foreign to them, in spite of a longstanding connection at the hip."
Vancouver Is Lit for Games

Thanks to Sonia for these great shots from Friday night at Passage to Paradise - all you ladies and gents were lookin' lovely!!

Kimo and Apolo chat at Passage to Paradise

The Smiling Ohno Boys with admirer at Passage to Paradise

Kimo, Jan and Apolo at Passage to Paradise

Uncle Kimo surrounded by his harem of beautiful ladies: Junko, Susan G, Jan and Sonia

On July 2, the International Olympic Committee will select the bid city to host the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Cross your fingers that they'll return to North America! Vancouver, BC appears to be the leading candidate. Our buddy Ron Judd has a great column about Vancouver's bid today in the Seattle Times:
And the Winter is . . . B.C. in 2010?

Go Vancouver! Official Site of Vancouver 2010 Bid

Passage to Paradise

The NorCal fans have waited an age for Apolo to grace their city. Their patience was rewarded last night as both Ohno boys were in attendance at Kristi Yamaguchi's Passage to Paradise fundraiser in San Francisco. Here is Sonia's account:

Passage to Paradise Report

Susan G. has sent in this synopsis of Friday night's Passage to Paradise in San Francisco:

Around a dozen Apolo fans joined 3500 people in the ballroom of the Hotel Nikko Friday night in the "Passage to Paradise" fundraiser. Anyone who saw Kristi Yamaguchi's video will be very glad to see just where that ticket money is going...all to very good causes.

Yuki and Apolo were there, surrounded by the usual hordes of people wanting pictures. As celebs they were seated at a table for the $500 per person participants rather than the mere (!) $250 per person most people paid. However, they spent the last 45 minutes of the fundraiser by the table where the Ohnozone fans were seated. Apolo posed for endless pictures, handed (or armed?) out multiple (yes multiple) hugs. Everyone got multiple opportunities for face time and we all went back to the well for more sips. He was poised, confident, happy and genuinely grateful to see us all. He knows this bunch by name and sight now and I believe each one of us could tell a personal story to that effect. Apolo gave Ted a hearty handshake and a "I'm glad to meet you!" We got an anniversary picture, a free bottle of champagne from the Hotel Nikko (2 glasses) and a night we'll never forget.